Hi everyone!

Here’s a group tennis drill to learn how to move back properly on a lob and follow up with a controlled cross-court smash. It’s ideal for turning a defensive situation into a winning attack.

The goal is to be able to move back efficiently on a lob, stabilise under the ball, and finish with a well-placed cross-court smash into a defined target zone. This sequence develops trajectory reading, backward recovery, and offensive finishing.

How to run the drill:

• Player A positions themself at the net on the right-hand side. Player B is on the opposite baseline. Players C and D line up behind B, ready to step in one after another.
• B sends a topspin lob cross-court toward the back of A.
• A moves back with side steps, adjusts their position under the ball in a semi-open stance, then hits a cross-court smash into the marked target zone on the court.
• Once the smash is played, A comes back to the net, ready for the next lob. After four consecutive smashes, A goes to the back of the line and B moves up to the net. The next player (C) becomes the lob feeder, and so on.
• Each player rotates through the roles of defender (smash), feeder (topspin lob) and waiting feeder.

(Image created with the ETDM software – Download it here)

Mastering this type of situation makes you more confident against opponent lobs, helps you move back without rushing, and lets you finish with a well-placed, effective smash – without forcing it.

Download this drill sheet in PDF format